I thought working from home was good for me. Lots of time and freedom. Or so I thought. With it came depression, loneliness and lack of focus. Coupled with pressure from work and the anxiety of the uncertainty of the pandemic-stricken future, 2020 was my most stressful year. I know it’s not just me, a lot of people experienced the same. More than 42% of people surveyed by the US Census Bureau reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in December 2020, an increase from 11% the previous year 1.
To fight mental health issues, people have resorted to many things such as creating content online, doing Netflix marathons, enrolling in online courses, and more. One of the trends was starting a “houseplants hobby” 2. Many were buying plants and reasoned that taking care of plants has kept them sane and their “indoor jungle” has helped them relax. I, for one, have joined the bandwagon too and relate to the sense of calm in the presence of plants at home. But why exactly do plants make us happy? I can find 2 major reasons:
BIOPHILIA
Biophilia is the hypothesis that humans have an inherent inclination to affiliate with Nature. It implies we have some universal fondness and affection for plants. From tomb paintings in ancient Egypt to remains found from the ruins of Pompeii, humans have displayed the tendency to bring plants home and cultivate gardens. We are genetically designed that if we are away from Nature, our minds may note a mismatch from the green environment that we’re supposed to be in, hence causing a form of “stress” 3. One study has shown that by adding plants to interior space, the participants were more productive (12% quicker reaction time on a computer task), more attentive and less stressed than people in the room with no plants 4.
PLANT PARENTHOOD
For many people, plants are a source of great joy. It’s not just because of the mood-enhancing effect of plants but also because taking care of plants can bring about some sense of fulfillment. Many have started calling themselves plant moms or plant dads, and their plants as “babies“. At first, I thought these labels are strange. But later I realized that this relationship is understandable. Just like real parenting, you’ll spend a considerable amount of time and effort when you bring plants home (akin to giving birth). You water them, spend time checking them daily, talk to them, watch them grow and thrive. The bonding grows as well. When you shift your focus to another living thing or when you go beyond yourself, you’ll find some purpose and meaning, hence the “joy” that many allude to.
Summary: Plants make us happy because we have an inherent affinity to connect with nature and their beautiful presence calms us. We also find a sense of joy and fulfillment as we spend effort taking care for plants.
Start decorating your homes with plants. Try our seagrass basket
References:
1 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00175-z
Pingback: Enhance Your Living Space with a Seagrass Basket – Gift One Now! - JedrCrafts